Re: DE shavers, which blade?

I'm a few days away from deducing whether Feathers are too sharp or very sharp.
I used feathers for a few weeks then Astra SP a week and noticed feathers were too sharp. But too many variables changed in that period (razor- went from TF&H Carlton to Muhlemr41 and soaps). I've been using the same razor and soap for a few weeks now (r41 & I Coloniali) with feathers. Next shaves will be with the Astra SP to determine whether it's (feathers are too sharp) in my head or theyre truly aggressively more abrasive.

Re: DE shavers, which blade?

I haven't tried most of my sample blades yet, but am only really familiar with a few blades.

My Shark Stainless Steel blades are very mild (I like them in my very aggressive razors, like Merkur Bakelite)

The Gillette Super Thin Stainless steel blades are much sharper and last longer than the Shark ones.

Supermax Stainless Steel blades are about as sharp as the Gillette Super Thins, but they don't last as long (but they're real cheap).

My Astra SP blades are the sharpest ones I've regularly tried, and they often deliver nicks the others don't in the very same razors - even after 18 shaves one was still nicking me. A chap at Badger & Blade pointed out to me that if I corked the blade, I'd make it gentler. By corking he meant getting a cork from a wine/ champagne bottle, pressing the blade a quarter inch into it, and sliding it out sideways. This did work well.

I've been too scared to try my Feather blades in regular razors, but I did use one in my ultra mild Weber DLC razor, and it works fine - zero nicks.
Regards,
Renato

Re: DE shavers, which blade?

I had a free packet of those Derby blades with my EJ DE89 razor and they only gave me two shaves with tugging so I ditched them for the feather blades and have never been happier. They are very sharp but if you use a light touch with your razor whilst shaving you should have no problems.

Re: DE shavers, which blade?

Ditched the derbys. Switched to Astra.. can't remember the model.
They did a pretty good job. I think the razor just isn't very aggressive.
Using a 1960 gillette flairtip F2.
Muhle R89Grande is in the mail, though.
Excited X)

Re: DE shavers, which blade?

I bought many different brands from Connaught and I'm still working my way through them. The sharpest up to now have been Feather like most have mentioned here. But I cut myself too much with them and prefer something a little more gentle but not too gentle. Up to now I've also tried Astra, Bic Chrome, Crystal, Derby, Gilette 7 o'Clock, Israel (blue labelling), Lord, Personna Platinum and Wilkinson Sword white label. I've also tried Tesco's own which I think I read are rebranded Personnas and I've tried Merkur. My favourites up to now have been Lord Super Stainless and Personna Platinum followed by Astra. Still got some others to try - Perma-Sharp, Tiger Superior, Timor Stainless and Treet Platinum.

Re: DE shavers, which blade?

corking is taking a new blade and running it along a wine cork a few times. I've heard it helps remove any burrs and also slightly dulls the blade because sometimes they're 'too' sharp so you can cut yourself more easily. It doesn't make the blade dull, just gives you a little more room to play with before getting sliced.

Re: DE shavers, which blade?

That is like asking who is the best looking woman. It is subjective and you will get a different answer from various people. DE blades fit different people for different reasons. Yes, Feather blades are the sharpest but that might not be good for you being a new DE shaver or your skin type. The best advice I could give is purchase a DE blade sampler pack from someone like West Coast Shaving and give them a try. There are procedures on how to run through a sampler pack to decide which is best for you on Badger and Blade forum. Get the one that best fits your skin and your way of shaving.

I loved the Feather blades but the Gillette 7 O'clock black just fit me better.

Re: DE shavers, which blade?

I have gotten the best performance from Feather Hi Stainless Platinum.

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Re: DE shavers, which blade?

It seems pretty pointless to me to continue answering the OP's question, two years after he asked it, and when he says further into the thread that he went with Astra SP and has samples on the way.
Regards,
Renato